The Woolston Ferry
Southampton In Song
The Songs
The Woolston Ferry
Few hunks of metal can have been held in such affection as the old chain ferry that linked Woolston with Southampton. Known locally as the 'Floating Bridge' it proved an invaluable link for motorists and foot passengers alike from 1833 to 1977, before it was replaced by the concrete road bridge that now spans the river.
A pair of chain ferries would run every 15 minutes during the daytime, taking about 5 minutes to cross the Itchen. It is a tribute to the 'captains' of the ferry that there was only one serious accident, bearing in mind the amount of sea traffic which used the river. In March 1928, the tug 'Fawley' collided with one of the ferries, snapping its chains and sending it under. Fortunately, all the passengers were rescued unscathed.
It made its last trip on June 11th 1977, complete with jazz band on board. This song, written by Mike Sadler, evokes a time and place still special in the hearts of Sotonians, and our version was recorded at the Fo'c'sle Folk Club in Southampton.
Brian Hooper
Jeff Henry